Environmental Assessment

The need to avoid or reduce potential adverse impacts on the environment has been a primary consideration throughout the project. Environmental assessments covering a range of environmental aspects were completed as part of the earlier baseline assessment and options appraisal stages.

A formal Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is being carried out and is informing the design of the proposed scheme. Where possible environmental mitigation will be embedded in the proposed scheme design and where this is not possible mitigation measures to reduce impacts will be developed.

As part of the EIA, extensive habitat and protected/priority species surveys were completed during the 2021 survey season. A landscape and visual impact survey was also carried out.

To inform the EIA process, consultation is ongoing with the following statutory consultees:

• The Highland Council (THC)
• Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA)
• Historic Environment Scotland (HES)
• Nature Scot
• Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA)

An EIA Report documenting the findings of the EIA will accompany the application for planning permission. A Habitat Regulations Appraisal (HRA) is also being produced.